Bentonville man arrested in Jan. 6 case is ‘journalist,’ lawyer says

WASHINGTON D.C. (KNWA/KFTA) — The lawyer of a Bentonville man arrested for participating in the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, claimed his client was the victim of “selective prosecution” and that he is a “journalist,” according to a motion filed in Washington D.C. federal court on March 22.

Nathan Hughes, 34, was arrested on Aug. 30, 2023, in Fayetteville and was held in the Washington County jail before being released on a $5,000 bond.

Hughes is charged with civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings. He pleaded not guilty to those charges on Oct. 3, 2023 .

Hughes’ lawyer, William L. Shipley, said in the motion Hughes is a “freelance independent journalist with a history of reporting on political rallies, demonstrations and protests going back to 2017.”

In the motion, Shipley wrote he’s considering filing a motion to dismiss the indictment against Hughes due to “government misconduct/selective prosecution.”

Before doing so, Shipley wants a list of every journalist who was on Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, 2021, whether they were approved to be there or not. The list has yet to be provided, according to the motion.

Shipley has also requested an extension to file a motion to dismiss based on selective prosecution and requested the motion not be due until 21 days after the lists are produced.

Hughes’ trial date is set for July 15 where he is scheduled to be tried with Jay James Johnston, one of four other men to be indicted at the same time as Hughes.

Johnston is an actor known for his roles on comedy television shows “Bob’s Burgers” and “Mr. Show with Bob and David.” He was arrested on charges that he joined a mob of Donald Trump supporters in confronting police officers during the insurrection.

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